How to Start a Dog Boarding or Dog Daycare Business: Licences, Facility, Staffing and Marketing

To start a dog boarding or daycare business: decide between home-based boarding and a dedicated facility, check licences, kennel permits and zoning, get pet care insurance, design a safe facility (secure fencing, separate areas, easy-clean surfaces, ventilation), set vaccination and temperament policies, hire and train staff with safe dog-to-staff ratios, set pricing, use online reservations with deposits, and market through Google, vets and groomers.

Steps

1. Model: home boarding (small numbers), daycare only, boarding + daycare facility, add grooming/training
2. Licences: business licence, kennel/animal facility permits, zoning approval, inspections
3. Insurance: liability with care-custody-control, property, workers' comp
4. Facility: secure double-gated entries, separate play groups by size/temperament, kennels/suites, outdoor area, cleaning stations, climate control
5. Policies: vaccinations, spay/neuter rules for group play, temperament evaluation, emergency vet plan
6. Staff: trained in dog behaviour, first aid and cleaning protocols; appropriate ratios
7. Pricing: daycare day rates and packages, overnight boarding, peak season premiums, add-ons
8. Software: reservations, deposits, vaccination record tracking, check-in/out, report cards and photos (see How to make a booking website)
9. Marketing: Google Business Profile and reviews, Instagram daily photos, vet/groomer partnerships, first-day trials

Dog daycare specifics

Temperament tests, playgroup management, rest periods, daily report cards and photos, and monthly packages for regulars.

(Related pet businesses: How to start a dog walking business, How to start a dog grooming business.)

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a dog boarding business?

Choose a model, secure licences, permits and zoning, get insurance, prepare a safe facility, set policies, hire trained staff, set pricing and use reservation software.

Do I need a licence for dog boarding?

Often yes: business licences plus kennel or animal facility permits and zoning approval, depending on location.

Can I board dogs from home?

In many places, with limits on numbers and zoning approval; check local rules.

How do I start a dog daycare business?

Follow similar steps with a focus on group play safety, temperament testing, staff ratios and daily reporting.

How much do dog boarding businesses charge?

Rates depend on location, services and accommodation type; peak holidays usually cost more.

Is dog daycare profitable?

It can be with consistent attendance, packages, efficient staffing and add-on services like grooming.